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Why Not Go for Being All You Can Be/A Story to Encourage/7 Tips to Help Get You There

Earlier this year I was asked by a long time acquaintance to tell our story publicly. Since she first heard the story years ago, she found it encouraging and thought others would benefit by it as well.

Tonight, I happened to come across my notes for the talk. In reviewing them, I thought it contained information that might lift you up, encourage you, and help you to do things that maybe you’ve been a bit hesitant to tackle.

Life is so short. That in itself is enough to make it important to do what you really want to do in life. Things won’t always be perfect, but you’ll never know what you can do until you try.

Bill and I followed a rough road. But amazingly we accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done. (More details on this will follow.)

Most long time readers know that I started gardening to eat. But this is the rest of the story – at least in part.

A Little Background

Bill was the middle of 3 kids. I was an only child. Both of us came from families where we didn’t do anything that suited our parents.

We were looking to get out of that situation as soon as we could.

Bill left when he was 17 and joined the Navy. He served 5 years and was a 2nd class machinist mate when he got out.

That’s when we met. We rented rooms at the same boarding house.

He’d knock on my door to wake me in the morning and leave a cup of coffee in a plastic cup at the door before he left for work. (He left much earlier than I did.)

Whenever I’d come home from a date, Bill would be painting and we’d talk into the wee hours. Six months later we married.

From Virginia to Baltimore

We moved from Virginia to Baltimore. No money of course. All I had was high heels shoes, so if I wasn’t working I was barefooted. (I remember being barefooted into November.)

During that time I worked mostly for attorneys. Bill had a variety of jobs, but mainly in air/conditioning and refrigeration.

Still in our 20’s he was accepted and attended Maryland Institute College of Art . Also attended air/conditioning & refrigeration schools during the years he worked in that field.

When Bill turned 36 we gave serious thought to the possibility of getting into our 40’s and 50’s and never doing what we really wanted to do because we’d always been told it couldn’t be done. (Making a living with his art.)

My guess is that many of you can probably relate to being told what you want to do is impossible.

Starts when we’re young and want to do something that society as a whole, your parents or your peers are not doing. Then folks start telling you very emphatically in most cases, that what you want to do can’t be done. They give you excuses (usually called reasons) like you’re either too young or too old, the economy’s bad, you have children, you don’t have enough money and on it goes.

The sad part is that in most cases we start to believe all that propaganda and accept it as fact. Then we don’t follow through on things that could make life great, rather than just muddling through in the grey zone.

And of course, we make excuses ourselves. The two most popular being lack of time and money.

But the fact is – what you accomplish and what you’re able to do has more to do with how much you want to do it than it does with how much money and time you have. I wrote in detail about this in a previous post.

Helps if You Know Someone Who’s Already Done It

If you want to be successful in any given field, it helps if you know of someone who’s already done what you want to do. Then copy them. (For example, even if you have absolutely no experience in gardening you can copy my example and be successful. That’s why I wrote the book – to help you be successful almost instantly.)

In our case, we had never even heard of any artist who had taken our approach – so there was no one to copy. Quite frankly, it seemed like an impossible goal – even to us.

Driven To Do It

We didn’t know how to go about achieving our goal, but we were so driven to get out of the city and be where we wanted to be (which was here in the Northern Neck) that we quit our jobs and moved here even though we had no money.

I take that back – we had $80.

To make it even more of what most would call insane – we wanted to make our living with Bill’s artistic abilities.

So here we were, in the middle of a remote area (especially back then), knowing no one, having no income, with only $80, and everything we owned in a truck that still belonged to the bank in Baltimore. And not a clue as to what we were doing.

When I look back I’m amazed and almost find it hard to believe that we were so driven to take such a hard road.

I had someone say to me one time, “But it really wasn’t that hard was it?”

Yes, it was! It was very hard. As a matter fact when I look back, it amazes me that we got through it.

The only reason we had a roof over our head when we arrived in this area, was because a fellow who had worked with Bill owned a trailer and said we could stay in it.

It doesn’t take a lot of thought to figure out that we were pretty much destitute within a week or so.

Nonetheless, Bill went out every day to draw and paint. And I think that was just as much to remind us of what we were suppose to be doing here, as anything else.

Looking for Work

We also looked for conventional “jobs”, but no one would hire us. Bill went to all the a/c and heating companies looking for work. I went to all the offices (especially attorneys). We both told folks they didn’t have to pay us until they saw what we could do and that we’d be willing to do the jobs that their other employees didn’t want to do.

I remember one day – I made an interview appointment with one of the larger companies in Kilmarnock. Bill and I hadn’t eaten in two days and I sure didn’t “feel” like an interview. To make a long story short, the guy told me it was so nice to have us in the area (I guess he felt that was the right thing to say) , but he couldn’t possibly hire me. That was a downer.

This story was repeated many times. It’s especially difficult when you don’t have food and other necessities and still have to put your best foot forward to do what you can to try to change things.

Finding work – but

Now the story gets even more unbelievable and I’m sure anyone who would have known this would have really thought us crazy.

After many months, a fellow who owned a company in Kilmarnock decided to take a chance on Bill and hire him. At first we were excited. The idea of having some income was WONDERFUL!

And then things started to sink in and we realized what would happen if Bill took the job.

We may as well have stayed in Baltimore. We’d be right back to not doing what we really wanted to do and never really making more than enough to survive on. (Which seemed pretty appealing at the time.)

So as hard as it was, Bill turned the job down.

Nickles and Dimes to Keep Going

In the meantime Bill had put notes up at the various post offices stating he would do odd jobs.

A fellow who was building a home a few miles away showed up at our door and asked if Bill could do some work for him. That was exciting. A bit of income — but a job that didn’t tie up your life forever.

Found in the Middle of Nowhere

And somehow, I can’t for the life of me figure out how, a newspaper reporter found us and wrote the first article ever written about Bill. (No money came, but it seemed encouraging at the time.)

Getting Those Bums Out of the Trailer

Within the year, the fellow who owned the trailer we were in decided to sell it.

The real estate agent told him “Let’s get those bums (that was us) out of there so we can sell it.” (The owner of the trailer repeated her comment to us.)

And by the way, the same real estate agent called me years later. After she introduced herself, I said “Oh yes, I remember you.” She then went on to say how proud everyone was to have Bill in the area — and could we contribute something to whatever cause it was that she was promoting.

And in case you’re wondering, no, we didn’t contribute anything.

Bottom line – the guy sold the trailer.

House Sitting, Cottage in the Woods, and Finally an Old Farm House

We had a week to find another place to reside. Fortunately, a couple who wintered in Florida needed a house sitter.

When they returned from Florida we moved to a tiny one room little cottage in the woods across the creek from where we wintered in return for Bill doing odd jobs for the owner.

That lasted almost a year. After that we moved to an uncared-for old farm house that was occupied by thousands of crickets, snakes, mice and the occasional raccoon and rat. No heat (later we were able to get kerosene heaters), no running water in the house, no bathroom, no phone. But the price was right. We got it just for living in it. And we stayed there 20 years.

It’s what we had to do, and I can’t say it was easy. Poverty’s not fun.

Somehow we got through more than 20 years of doing without just about everything.

Challenges

Life, in the best of circumstances, presents challenges. On the road we chose to walk some of those challenges seemed insurmountable.

We met the challenges. Some times better than other times. And we learned. But it was slow going.

One of the things we learned was that you can’t always wait for conditions to be perfect to take action. We probably did more with nothing during those years, than many people do with a lot.

A few of the things Bill did:

About the first thing we created to sell were notepapers. When all was said and done, Bill did over 150 notepapers, most of them pen and ink drawings of our Chesapeake Bay area that were popular for more than 20 years.

Hundreds of original watercolors and oil paintings were created and sold.

Some color reproductions. (a/k/a prints).

In 1986 Bill was one of 86 artists in the U.S. chosen to take Robert Bateman’s Master Class at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausaw, Wisconsin. (Bateman, for those who don’t know, is a world reknowned Canadian artist.)

By invitation Bill had many shows throughout the area, including one sponsored by the Northern Neck Audubon Society. And almost every bank within a 5 county area invited him to exhibit and/or hold a show there.

We visited and Bill drew life at Smith Island and I wrote a little book about that adventure. We also visited Tangier, but I promised everyone we’d never write that story. 🙂

Created the first two travel guides for the Northern Neck.

Taught for a few years at both campuses of Rappahannock Community College.

Held workshops for artists.

Over the years he did portraits by commission (two of which hang in our county’s courthouse). Created letter heads (including county letterheads), logos for businesses, and designs for various organizations.

In 1991 Bill did a design for a tee shirt that was so popular we sold out just by word of mouth within a week. That’s how we “accidentally” had the idea for Bill’s line of sportswear that we named Chesapeake Bay Designer Sportswear. It was a good accident because it enabled us to live a little better than we’d been living. We sold primarily at our shop and the boat shows creating a good following there.

Created commissioned commemorative prints for 4 of the 5 Northern Neck counties.
Created the Chesapeake Bay Watermen commemorative print in 2000.

Created and published the Northern Neck Illustrated Journal in 2003 with well over 100 drawings of the 5 county area.

In 2006 he was asked to paint George Washington’s Birthplace, which took him two years to do. The event unveiling those paintings took place in 2008.

He was honored posthumously by the James Monroe Sons of the American Revolution this past May and was credited with doing more to preserve Northern Neck history than any other single person.

More Recognition

Over the years Bill’s goal as an artist (in addition to earning a living) was to be the best he could be and continually improve his artistic ability. He did that.

Just this past November that accomplishment was recognized by the former Director of Collections at the Hirschhorn Museum of the Smithsonian Institute.

When she visited me prior to the last show this past November, she talked at length about Bill’s ability, calling him an artist of quality. What impressed her most, she told me, was his continual improvement over the years. She mentioned that many artist’s that are now dead and famous, plateaued at a certain level and stayed there. But, she said, it was so obvious to her that Bill continually improved.

It would have been nice for Bill to have heard that compliment with his own ears and know that someone who really knew what they were looking at saw that in his work.

Some Tips to Get You Down the Road Less Traveled (should you chose it.)

#1. Walking a different road than the majority is seldom easy.

It’s a bit easier when you know up front that you can’t expect anyone – no matter how close they are to you – to share your point of view, your goals, or to see exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing.

In all probability if what you want and are doing does not match what the vast majority is doing, you’ll be criticized.

#2. Start walking in the direction you want to go.

You don’t have to take huge steps. Tiny steps will get you there.

Hopefully your “road less traveled” won’t be as hard as ours. I had to make myself walk in the direction we wanted to go even though I sometimes felt in my heart we’d never get there.

But the fact is – you have a much better chance of reaching a destination in the north if you’re headed north rather than south.

#3. Keep a Check on Your Attitude

Sometimes life can be like a card game. You don’t always get the hand you want, but you have to play with hand you’ve been dealt.

So if something can’t be avoided, work with it the best you can. Sometimes the only choice we have is what attitude we’ll embrace.

The right one can get you mentally past the unavoidable and help you see opportunities in the situation. It’s not so much the event that shapes our world, but the thought process we adapt in going through it.

I’ve come home many times with a bad attitude and Bill would said, “Nothing can change for the better until you change your attitude, Theresa.”

#4. Surround yourself with quality people.

Statistics prove that people we’re around definitely make an impact on our life.

Ask yourself, does this person move and inspire me to do my best, be my best and give my best? Also turn that question towards yourself to find out if you’re being a quality person. Do you inspire others to do their best, be their best, and give their best.

The very same can be applied to what you watch for entertainment, the books and magazines you read, the newsletters and websites you subscribe to. Are they helping you to be your best?

#5. Set your Standards Ahead of Time

If you’ve not already determined what you stand for and what values you’ll hold to, you’ll be caught off guard many a time.

Just about everyday we’re given opportunities (in the form of choices) to show what we’re made of. Some are seemingly more insignificant than others. But make no mistake, every decision is taking you either towards your goal or away from your goal.

Each decision either makes you stronger or weakens your resolve.

#6. Don’t allow the noise of the opinions of others to drown out your inner voice.

For the most part, turn a deaf ear to all that. Had Bill and I listened to all the “noise”, our life would be void of the things that made it wonderful.

We were told

Our marriage wouldn’t work. (We were married 51 years and hoping for another 50.

It wasn’t possible to make a living with art. (I must admit it’s not easy, but we finally did it.)

Can’t garden without chemicals. (I’ve been organic gardening for almost 40 years.)

When we created sportswear with Bill’s designs other exhibitors at the boatshows couldn’t get to us fast enough to tell us that we would not be able to sell goods of that quality at a boatshow.

The Annapolis Boat Show was another thing we were not suppose to be able to get into. We were told we had to be on a waiting list and it would take 5 to 10 years to get in. My reply was, ” Well – I don’t have 5 to 10 years, I have to get in in one year.” And I did.

#7. I mentioned earlier. Keep in mind: what you’re able to do has more to do with how much you want to do it, than it does with how much money or time you have.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking time to read this.

I hope you’ve latched on to something useful in our story as well as the tips that you can use to propel you forward in your life’s goals and desires.

Today, Bill would have been 75 years old. If I could have him here with me I’d start by saying:

I love you Bill Martz and I will always love you. Having had you in my life for 51 years was a tremendous gift.

I’m saddened not to have you here with me and miss you more every day. But I know that each day is part of life’s curriculum with it’s own lessons to be gleaned and learned. So, I’m trying to go forward.

I now face life’s challenges alone. If I can meet those challenges, it will be because of what we learned as we walked through life together.

23 comments to Why Not Go for Being All You Can Be/A Story to Encourage/7 Tips to Help Get You There

Thank you, Theresa, for sharing your and Bill’s story. I’ve often wondered about how you came to where you are and how you realized your dream. I understand living against the grain, being told you can’t or you shouldn’t, and persevering anyway. Your story came at a time when I need to be reminded of why I have made the choices I have made and to persevere again in the face of criticism from people who are supposed to love and care about me–family! Like you’ve said, if I’d listened to them I’d have never done what I really wanted to do and wouldn’t be living contentedly on my honey and goat farm!

Theresa,
Thank you for sharing such a personal and inspiring story. I am absolutely amazed at all you two accomplished and I am so glad I got a chance to see Bill’s art at the show in Colonial Beach a few years ago and meet both of you.

Oh, Theresa! Thank you SO much for sharing your story. And how fitting to do so on Bill’s birthday! I cannot imagine going through all that you all went through, but now I certainly can understand how you came to be the strong woman you are today! Maybe you don’t feel so strong, Theresa, but you are. And you are an inspiration.

As you know, I have known your amazing courageous and inspiring story for some time now, but hearing it again in new context made me weep. I am proud to call you my friend, and send much light and love.

Your posts always encourage me and come at the right time! I believe that God gives us all a dream and if we have the courage to follow it then life is more satisfying than it would be regardless of the money involved. Both of you have contributed so much to everyone around you. You, and your husband, are the “quality people” that you recommend having around us. I know my life has been better knowing you and having your knowledge and experiences shared with me. You are an inspiration to more people than you will ever realize. Thank you for being you!

That sounds like an American pioneer story. I was aware of some it but those blanks you filled in are something else. Sorry the realtor lady didn’t get what she was looking for and didn’t realize that you were the former “bums”, ha! The poverty and hunger would be bad enough but with the rats, snakes and bugs added, you still stuck it out. Any of us could find ourselves in those same situations either by choice or circumstance. I appreciate your encouragement.

Betty, I’m glad the post answered some of the questions you had about me.

I know there are probably folks in the world who get support from family when they want to walk the road less traveled, BUT – that has certainly not been my findings. With Bill and me, we literally never did one thing that suited our families. And with all the people I’ve come in contact with in my almost 74 years, when most wanted to do something “out of the ordinary” family was who objected the most. Must be human nature.

Anyway, I’m so glad our story reminded you of why you made the great choices you’ve made in spite of all the criticism and thus, are enjoying the life you have.

Beppy, your comment was beautiful and touched me deeply.
No one is more amazed at what Bill and I accomplished than Bill and me. 🙂
We also were so glad that you and Kavanaugh were able to attend the show at Colonial Beach some years back, giving us the please of meeting you both.

And by the way — another story — those folks at Colonial Beach had been after us for years to have a show there. We declined for numerous years for various reasons, but finally agreed to it. As you may recall, Bill sold a lot at that show and it quite literally set the town “art” folks abuzz. In all the years they’ve had artist shows there, the artists never sold more than one piece, if that, and of course, everyone wanted to know how we managed to sell so much. One of the things they didn’t consider was that all those other artists were hobby artists. Things are done a lot differently when you’re a professional artist.

Anyway, it was such a joy having the opportunity to meet you at that show!

Pat, you’re 100% correct: I don’t feel strong. But, as you have already pointed out, going through what we went through gave me the strength I do have. I certainly hope that I’ll be able to get through this phase and that it will also make me stronger.

Marvin, it is so good to hear from you and I appreciated your expressing how you felt about the post.
I hope Raven is feeling 100% and that you have sold the house and are enjoying your situation. All my best to you and Raven. Update me when you can.

Ty, I am so glad that my posts come at the right time in your life. I pray for guidance when I write and ask God’s help in encouraging others, so what you said meant a lot to me.

I am hoping to be able to pull out of this slump I’ve been in since Bill’s death and write things on a more regular basis that will uplift TMG readers and help them with their goals and lives in and out of the garden.

Danita, I was glad to see your name pop up. It’s been a while and I’ve missed you.
Thanks for commenting.

Connie, I sure appreciate your taking the time to let me know your thoughts. I’ll say this about the poverty we went through for so many years: when people talk to me about not having money, etc. — it means something totally different to me than it probably does to most folks.
Thanks again for taking time to comment.

Sandra, I’m so glad I don’t have to wonder “what if—“. I just wish I had been stronger “going thru it”.

Patricia, I’m glad the post gave you joy (“blessed your heart”). There is so much I left out because of wanting to keep it short. (And it was still long.)

As you know, last November was the last Bill Martz show. (So thrilled that you and your family were able to attend.) I was impressed (which I seldom am) by the newspaper coverage of the show. The new editor who wrote the article said, “His popularity in the Northern Neck is unprecedented and one is likely to find one of his works or prints in any given business or home.”

There was a nice 5 page article in the Jan/Feb issue of House and Home Magazine. In speaking about Bill the author said Bill possessed “a unique perspective and sensitivity that, combined with his talent, set his work apart.”

Oh — and for those who have not yet seen any of Bill’s work, you might want to visit http:/billmartz.com.
If you want to see a drawing of the cottage we lived in for a year (1981) click on the “history in pictures” in the menu bar on Bill’s site. The page will show two groups of little pictures that can be enlarged by clicking on them. In the first group, the last picture (a drawing by Bill) is Pine Patch – which was the name of the cottage.

Again, thank you all for letting me know your feelings. It means a lot to me.
Theresa

I had to wait till I stopped crying to post a comment. This is such an amazing true story of perseverance, love, determination, and strength. I thank you so much for sharing with us. A truly inspirational account of your life. I sure do wish I would have had the good fortune of hearing your story as my life was getting started.

Dear Theresa, thank you for sharing your story with us, I feel honored. I too shed tears, especially at the end. I believe, so strongly tho that Bill is still with you, encouraging you on.
I wonder if you feel inspired to write Bill’s story as a short novel/biography(which would in many ways be your story too) and sell it, on the back of the publicity and recognition Bill has received since his passing? I’m sure the people in the area would be inspired by the story,.

Theresa,
Thanks for sharing more about your life together. It reminds me of Alfred’s answer when I asked how he made it through those hard times when his wife passed away & he had 6 children still at home to raise on a small paycheck. He said, “I just kept putting one foot in front of the other & did what had to be done.”

I know that sharing this caused more tears for you than for us, but please know that it helps our resolve to keep following the path we’ve chosen. God surely gave you the gift of encouragement. Thank you for using it to help so many of us.

I’m sure there are many more people who don’t take the time to let you know how much you’ve helped them, but you have.

Caroline and I have known you and Bill since the early 80’s. We visited you in the house with no heat and plumbing. We own his art from 1978 thru 2015 and have seen his amazing development as an artist. We miss him greatly but think of him constantly as we see his art every day of our lives. Without your strength, Bill would have never made it to his greatness.

Mary, I’m so very pleased that you have been inspired to listen to your inner voice and do what
you want — rather than what others want.

Toni, I think a good many of us wish we had had this type of reinforcement (along with the proper guidance of learning there is always a price to be paid) to do what our heart desires rather than what everyone else is doing.
I was lucky in a way that my parents never liked much about me. When I finally found out in my teens that I was never going to be able to please them, I figured it was a lost cause and started doing what I wanted to do. I’m so glad I did.

Angela, I’ve thought often about writing Bill’s story as a short “novel”. There are so many other stories to tell. For example,

How we had to stand up against county officials who wanted us to compromise our values so that they could be “politically correct” when Bill worked on the County Commemorative Prints.

How we had the autographing by Bill of an engagement calendar – that he had been commissioned to create – at the old house without plumbing etc. The folks would go by in their Jaguars, Cadillacs and Mercedes. I could see them shaking their heads like “this couldn’t be the place”. Fortunately the road dead ended so they had to come back. I was there to tell them — “yep – we live here.”

How we had a fellow who had commissioned a painting drive down from Delaware to get it and was horrified by where we lived. At first — he wouldn’t even come in. Finally he did and he ended up commissioning another painting and having us deliver it. We were put up in a beautiful hotel and wined and dined like royalty.

And lots of other stores. Something to think about and I appreciate your suggesting it.

Betty,
Thank you for the great compliment that God has given me the gift to encourage others. If others can benefit from what I experienced, it makes things very worthwhile. Thank you for your love and prayers.

Jim, your comment meant so much to me.
Bill use to kid me and say, “Theresa, do you have to tell everything you know!” Being very open has
always been one of my “faults”. Your comment was so meaningful and it made me think that perhaps my being so open is a gift rather than a fault.
I’ll read your words many times in days to come. Thank you.

Sherman probably won’t visit this site again to see my reply to his comment. (So I sent him a personal email.) I just wanted to let readers know that he and his wife have been patrons and dear friends for many years.

When they found out Bill was sick they immediately wanted to come down.
I knew Bill was way to weak for company, but Bill wouldn’t hear to that! He insisted he wanted to see Sherman and Caroline.
As Bill lay dying, Sherman hugged and kissed him many times. I will never forget the love these two people showed us during the most difficult time of our lives.

All of your comments have meant a great deal to me and have given me renewed zeal to continue TMG.
Thank you for your patience, your love, concern, and kindnesses towards me over the past two or three years.
You helped me (and are helping me) get through it.
Theresa

Thanks Patricia. That is the article, but I was so disappointed at how it looks online. In the magazine, the layout was beautiful with a wonderful picture of Bill drawing and lots of full colors pictures of his paintings. It covered 5 pages.
At least folks can read it here.
Thanks again for taking time to look, find, and post.
Theresa

I opened up this post to enjoy the added comments.
It truly amazes me the talent with words that so many of your friends and readers have.
Sherman’s story and words just melted my heart. What a loving man!
I am truly blessed to have access to your experience. Jim said it so
well “you are tending much more than your garden”.
Of course, I am hoping someday it will be a good time to share the Tangier story as well

Theresa, a wonderful account from start to finish. The life that you and Bill experienced is a true tale of starting from scratch, sheer courage and determination, and achieving a success that few individuals or couples accomplish. Really a great testament to the love and strength you brought to each other. You have dealt with your great loss in a strong and commendable fashion.

I wish you continued success with your gardening.

You and Bill will never be forgotten, for you and he have created and documented memories that will last forever.

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” I am just so encouraged by all that I am reading from you. I can’t make myself leave your site!”

“My garden has doubled in productivity since I started reading here.”

“I wanted to let you know that from your guidance, I have discovered that ‘less is more.’ I was planting the old fashioned way–rows with lots of weeds to take care of–. Then I learned your secret of mulching heavily with straw and/or leaves. What an amazing difference. The soil is always ready for a seed or two in an empty spot and weeding is minimal. Last year we harvested twice as much produce in half the space.”

“Theresa, I’ve been gardening for about 40 years, and in the last 10 or so have tried my hand at gardening organically. I bought the books, read the websites, took the magazines, etc., but have been largely overwhelmed and discouraged. I happened upon TMG and have been reading for around 3 months. Now I know I can really do this!!! Thank you so very much for being so realistic and practical. And also for being so open, willing, and giving. You are a blessing!”

“I have learned so much, actually far more from you than from any gardening magazine I have ever subscribed to.”

“— I’m in the process of switching from chemical-based gardening to organic gardening and your website has helped me tremendously. There’s so much info on organic gardening – some of it very conflicting. You present stuff in an easy to understand, logical way.”

“Every time I hear something “out there” about gardening, I think…….wait that sounds too complicated, Theresa keeps it simple…….do what she does. Lol. You have kept me from jumping on the crazy train! ”

“I discovered your blog just last week while searching the web for information on raised bed gardening. I was actually pricing rough-cut lumber from a local saw mill, and looking for design ideas for wooden boxes when I stumbled upon your post “Contained Raised Beds? NO WAY!” I have not left your blog since!

I am so impressed with the information I have found here, as well as how much you put into it. I appreciate how you respond so thoughtfully to your readers’ questions and comments. And of course I LOVE your “common sense” approach.”

“This is only my 3rd or 4th season (of gardening). (Because of TMG) I am literally years ahead of my time in terms of being an accomplished gardener! ”

“Your wonderful blog and the manner in which you handle explaining things in incremental steps is just amazing. I am on a steering committee for a local community garden effort and your blog will be my recommendation to anyone who gets involved.”

“I just found your site —- when I was checking for what to do with onions. I have never seen so much useful information in one place. — What a wonderful site! I learned more in just a few minutes than I have ever gotten elsewhere. Thank you!!!”

“Finding your site thanks to Diane’s flowers has helped continue my education but in a very easy manner. I’ve found that your experience has confirmed that heritage gardening does not have to be exhaustive but more fun. I find your thinking about gardening assured me that my “maybe I’ll just let nature do the work” is ok and now I’m learning why.”

“Just read your post on Garden diversity- as always excellent, thorough and you have this ability to give all the information one might need in a nutshell – keeping the reader engaged all through.”

“I wish I had found your blog years ago. It would have saved me lots of money spent on gardening books & magazines.”

“Even tho I am on the other side of the world and the seasons are reversed, your insight, knowledge and experience are so valuable to me as a starting out organic gardener.”

“I directly credit the MAJOR increase in productivity in my garden to you. —-(it) is amazing compared to how my garden used to operate.”

“I have learned invaluable lessons and methods from you, have found you to be very well researched, very well thought out, and very methodical. And so easy to learn from.”

“— you infuse encouragement and heart into your website and I greatly receive these gifts.”

” I read each post you write as though I am a sponge; sucking up every last word you write, and holding onto it tightly. … your philosophy on gardening is inspiring. I feel light years ahead of some of my friends who have been gardening for much longer than I, and it is all thanks to you and your easy to read, vital information.”

“I just read your post on using straw once sprayed with 2-4D. Then I read a few more snippets … I think I’m in love…just to find an organic gardener blogging in such a practical way.
It is a fact that we live in a world with more than a few undesirable chemicals infiltrating the world we live in, but we have to understand what will decompose, what is persistent, and how to proceed. … reading your commonsense words just made my day. ”

“I can’t imagine not having TMG for reference and inspiration. It’s one of the few sites I go back to every year for specifics — I hope everyone who reads here, in particular newer readers, understand just what gold is buried in (TMG’s) archives. There’s nowhere else to read some of the things I’ve learned here on TMG, and I’m in NO way overstating.”

” I think there are more people than you know who would love to garden with your ideas – they just don’t know it’s possible.”

“just a note to say thanks again for doing what you do…your gardening updates are like a welcomed letter from a distant relative or a long lost friend. I’ve been veg gardening for 40 years and I continue to use your site as a great reference! ”

“Your postings ALWAYS shed light in a slightly different way —. It’s like taking a walk around the garden with a favorite friend who can be relied on to share the truth.”

(I want) ” to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, your style of writing, the clarity of the information you provide and the very obvious expertise you have achieved.
Reading your blog and the information about your book has given me hope that I can try again (to garden), this time with much greater success and a lot less work.”

“Your information has always been the best out there. The style of your writing is informative but also interesting, honest and humorous at times. You always make me smile and want to get back out there and try something new.”

“Last fall I found TMG and purchased your book. I took to heart your wisdom and applied it to my garden. I added lots of leaves and organic matter. After I planted my garden and applied lots of mulch I have done nothing but harvest. My garden is not perfect but my family is eating, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, okra, cucumbers and swiss chard. That is a complete 180 (degrees) from the previous 2 years. Real soil works, mulch works! If you are a new reader to TMG …unplug from Big Food and the chemical marketing matrix!”

“I have finished your book and am so excited to get to work on preparing my vegetable garden — Your book is full of such great information and takes so much of the “mystery” of gardening out of the equation.”

“What I’ve learned here has proven to be a major life changing part of our lives over the past 5 years.”

“—and I love reading your posts and using them as my garden encyclopedia.”

“I finished reading your book! Thank you so much! It was well worth the price and the shipping! ” (This reader is from Japan and her shipping cost was $25)

“After discovering you and TMG several years ago, I’m happy to say this has changed the way I garden in many ways…and all for the better. You’ve made me think out of the box and question why I’m doing things the way I am, many times the changed behavior results in higher yield with less effort.”

“You have inspired and taught me so much over the years! I thank you most of all for removing the stress out of my garden activities.”

‘Those that have found you are very fortunate to discover how to garden in a healthful, less costly, natural way for us and planet earth.”